Big Fight Breakdown - Sherk vs. Franca

With each fight a chance to showcase the excitement, the little guys of mixed martial arts are getting bigger every time out. And with UFC lightweight champ Sean Sherk slated to make the first defense of his crown against tough contender Hermes Franca at UFC 73 on July 7th, fans should get a high-octane dose of the kind of action that makes the 155-pound division one of the world’s best in terms of pure talent.

Franca is probably most recognizable among casual fans for his distinctively dyed hair – the colors of which run the gamut from pink to green and beyond – but in a 24-fight career, he’s gone 19-5 against extremely tough competition. He’s beaten quality foes like Spencer Fisher, Rich Crunkilton, Caol Uno, Nate Diaz, Ryan Schultz, Gabe Ruediger and Jamie Varner. And his losses – including a close split duke to Josh Thomson, and two decisions to wily Yves Edwards – have been competitive scraps

sherks going to take this one by muscling franca around the ring until taking him down and GnPing his way to the win

tuvok500

7/1/07 9:55:03PM

DevonFoxy

7/1/07 10:08:40PM

I think Sherk's wrestling is too much for Franca to over come. I'm not a Franca fan ill be the first to admit that. I acknowledge his win over Fisher was great but i don't think hes ready for Sherk. Franca is gonna be put at a new pace thats hes not ready for. I don't see him being able to avoid the take down as rounds go on even if he can avoid them the first couple so as always he has a punchers chance but other then that it seems pretty clear cut.

MisFiT

7/1/07 10:27:32PM

Everything points to Sherk. For real.

kevietre

7/2/07 12:12:12AM

Franca is going to pull off the upset. Sherk will be able to take him down for sure Franca admitted to it but Hermes has the credentials and the skill on the ground to pull off the submission. It will be hard to get Sherk to tap but it could happen. Plus on the feet Sherk is the more technical striker but I think Hermes has heavier hands.

Believe-in-judo81

7/2/07 1:52:54AM

Posted by kevietre

Franca is going to pull off the upset. Sherk will be able to take him down for sure Franca admitted to it but Hermes has the credentials and the skill on the ground to pull off the submission. It will be hard to get Sherk to tap but it could happen. Plus on the feet Sherk is the more technical striker but I think Hermes has heavier hands.

I'm not calling out personally, you were just the first one to post this, so I hope you don't take this to heart. But Sherk's Wrestling control and Sub defense trump Franca's BJJ easily, every time. And as much as I love Hermes patented below the waist, behind the ass haymakers I don't think Sherk is going to give him the chance to set one up. Hermes COULD lay him out, but it's just not likely, he could pull a sub, but Sherk's build and top notch sub defense make it very difficult to do so. Sean Takes this But Putting hermes on his back early and often and GNPing to either a fairly late stoppage, a sub off a mistake made by Franca whilst attempting to cover up or advance position, or a dominant unanimous decision.

Btews22

7/2/07 2:12:01AM

i have not seen sherk but i know franka throws bombs!!!!! i will be there to see!!

boob

7/2/07 11:45:06AM

Sherk is freakishly strong and will dominate Herpes Franca!!

Metafour

7/2/07 12:11:58PM

Posted by papercut

sherks going to take this one by muscling franca around the ring until taking him down and GnPing his way to the win

I can see Sherk in Franca's guard for most of this fight pounding away. Sherk is just so strong for 155 lbs.

StevieC

7/3/07 3:40:01PM

How's this for a breakdown....

Franca = No Chance...

Sherk has two loses in his life to two of maybe the best welfterweights ever to see this sport...

The only one I see takeing Sherk down in this weight class is BJ and he might not even stay in this weight class....

Not ruleing out everyone, I mean I do like Stevenson and Huerta but after that? Until Gomi and Sakuri come to the UFC I just don't see real comp. for him...

Ralk

7/4/07 2:03:52PM

He’s beaten quality foes like ...Gabe Ruediger

sorry just had to quote it

TOMMYAYO05

7/4/07 5:43:36PM

Im taking Sherk in a decision he does not know how to finish fighters...im thinking split maybe unanamous